Gemini, LLC
Auction X 13 January 2013
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Syria. Demetrius II. Second Reign, 129-125 BC. Tetradrachm, 16.54g. (12h). Damascus, Year 187 = 126/5 BC. Obv: Diademed head of Demetrius II right, bearded, diadem ends falling straight behind, fillet border. Rx: BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΔHMHTPIOY ΘEOY NIKA-TOPOΣ Zeus seated left holding scepter in left hand and in right hand Nike standing left extending wreath toward edge of coin. Date ZΠP in exergue, ΔH monogram in outer left field, letters A Π under throne. SC 2181.8. De Hirsch Coll. 1708. VF.
Ex Harry N. Sneh Collection. Ex Freeman & Sear 7, 22 February 2002, lot 189.
Son of Demetrius I, Demetrius II was taken captive by the Parthians in 138 BC and was retained for ten years in Hyrcania, married to a Parthian princess. When in 129 BC Antiochus VII invaded Mesopotamia, the Parthian king Phraates II freed Demetrius in order to cause another internal struggle within the Seleucid dynasty. Demetrius had been an unpopular king during his first reign and was not able to win the affection of his subjects. It did not help that he maintained his long Parthian beard, as shown on our tetradrachm. Eventually even his wife, Cleopatra Thea, refused to help him, and he was killed when seeking refuge at Tyre.
Ex Harry N. Sneh Collection. Ex Freeman & Sear 7, 22 February 2002, lot 189.
Son of Demetrius I, Demetrius II was taken captive by the Parthians in 138 BC and was retained for ten years in Hyrcania, married to a Parthian princess. When in 129 BC Antiochus VII invaded Mesopotamia, the Parthian king Phraates II freed Demetrius in order to cause another internal struggle within the Seleucid dynasty. Demetrius had been an unpopular king during his first reign and was not able to win the affection of his subjects. It did not help that he maintained his long Parthian beard, as shown on our tetradrachm. Eventually even his wife, Cleopatra Thea, refused to help him, and he was killed when seeking refuge at Tyre.